The Dynamics of Scapegoating in Small Groups

Abstract

An analysis is made of the proposition that the scapegoat role emerges in small groups to unconsciously allow other members to distance themselves from the anxiety and threat aroused by the intrapsychic and interpersonal conflict displaced onto the scapegoat. The analysis concentrates on describing the scapegoating process in small groups, the underlying dynamics, and the consequences for a group. Researchable propositions derivable from the dynamics of the scapegoating process are presented